Review - Damsel Distressed by Kelsey Macke

Title: Damsel Distressed

Author: Kelsey Macke

Pages: 336

Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary

Release date: 14th October 2014

Blurb from Goodreads:

Hot girls get the fairy tales. No one cares about the stepsisters' story. Those girls don't get a sweet little ending; they get a lifetime of longing

Imogen Keegen has never had a happily ever after–in fact, she doesn’t think they are possible. Ever since her mother’s death seven years ago, Imogen has pulled herself in and out of therapy, struggled with an “emotionally disturbed” special ed. label, and loathed her perma-plus-sized status.

When Imogen’s new stepsister, the evil and gorgeous Ella Cinder, moves in down the hall, Imogen begins losing grip on the pieces she’s been trying to hold together. The only things that gave her solace–the theatre, cheese fries, and her best friend, Grant–aren’t enough to save her from her pain this time.

While Imogen is enjoying her moment in the spotlight after the high school musical, the journal pages containing her darkest thoughts get put on display. Now, Imogen must resign herself to be crushed under the ever-increasing weight of her pain, or finally accept the starring role in her own life story.

And maybe even find herself a happily ever after.

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My Review:

*I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Patchwork Press - Spencer Hill Press and NetGalley*

3/5 stars

Imogen Keegen's life was turned upside down when her mother died. Years later, Imogen is in therapy, overweight and depressed. Things go from bad to worse when her stepmother's daughter, Carmella (or as she wants to be called, Ella Cinder), comes to stay.

Seeing herself as the ugly stepsister, Imogen knows she won't get a happily ever after but what if she's wrong?

This was an interesting take on the Cinderella fairy tale.

Imogen was a good protagonist who had some great lines that made me laugh. I felt sorry for her and I was rooting for her to overcome her self-hate.

Imogen's friends were good characters and I liked her stepmother Evelyn.

The plot was slightly predictable but I still enjoyed the story.

The writing held my attention but I did feel a bit frustrated with Imogen at one point.

Overall this was an enjoyable read but I did find it a bit predictable.